Hyperpigmentation of the Skin and its Causes

Uneven complexion, age spots, freckles and dark spots are the usual signs of hyperpigmentation of the skin. Basically, hyperpigmentation is the uneven and high production of melanin in the skin. However, there are still other causes of hyperpigmentation of the skin. If you are having dark spots on your skin, it might be the right time to examine your skin and find out what is the truth behind those spots.

One reason why there may be a higher production of melanin in the skin is hormonal change. For one, pregnant women may suffer from a specific type of hyperpigmentation known as melasma and this only ends a year after giving birth. In such case, doctors do not recommend the application of any kind of skin-whitening treatment unless melasma has faded off already.

The appearance of dark patches may be a sign of an underlying disease. Two of the many diseases that are associated to hyperpigmentation of the skin are Cushing’s disease and Addison’s disease. It is best to see your physician if dark patches on the skin are appearing along with other symptoms like mood swings and muscle pain.

Darkening of skin may be caused by skin irritation or skin inflammation. Most of the time, the dark spots of the skin do not fade right after the disappearance of the infection. There are effective cosmetic products that can treat skin conditions like this.

There are topical treatments that affect the pigmentation of the skin. Certain medications such as salicylic acid for acne and cisplatin for chemotherapy contribute to the appearance of dark spots. There is nothing to worry about the spots caused by medications and chemicals because they become clear once the treatment is through.

The most usual cause of hyperpigmentation of skin is sun exposure. The more you are exposed to the sun, the more likely it is that your skin will produce a higher level of melanin to protect it. The melanin helps a lot in protecting your skin from ultraviolet rays. Obviously, the best way to deal with this is to avoid going out under the sun during noon when the sun is at its peak. It is also best to wear appropriate sunscreen and protective clothing whenever there is a need to go out during peak hours.

If you are becoming suspicious about the condition of your skin, it will not hurt to consult your doctor to discover what is the reason behind the hyperpigmentation of your skin. Various treatments are now readily available for the convenience of patients.